Trump demands next Senate leader to support recess appointments

Nov. 11 (UPI) — President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday demanded that the next Republican leader of the Senate support recess appointments, allowing him to make temporary appointments to the chamber when it is not in session.

“Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner,” he said on X.

Republican Senate leadership elections have been scheduled for Wednesday with Sens. John Thune of South Dakota, Rick Scott of Florida and John Cornyn of Texas having thrown their names into the hat. They are seeking to replace current GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who previously announced he’d be stepping down.

All three candidates have signaled support for Trump’s demand for the Senate majority leader to support recess appointments.

“100% agree,” Scott said in reply to Trump’s post on X. “I will do whatever it takes to get your nominations through as quickly as possible.”

Presidents have the power to fill vacancies when the chamber is out of session, preventing dissent or debate. However, the Senate frequently convenes for what are called pro-forma sessions in order to prevent the president from doing so.

Like Scott, Cornyn on Sunday voiced support for recess appointments, stating that it would be “unacceptable” for the Democrats to block Trump’s cabinet appointments.

“If they do, we will stay in session, including weekends, until they relent,” he said in a statement. “Additionally, the Constitution expressly confers the power on the President to make recess appointments.”

Thune said they “must act quickly and decisively” to get Trump’s nominees in place and that “all opinions are on the table to make that happen,” including recess appointments.

“We cannot let Schumer and Senate Dems block the will of the American people,” he said.

Trump also called on the Democrats not to confirm any judicial nominees ahead of the next congressional session.